Need new caliber recommendations please

[tac]

.375 H&H = Hornady - $5.15 per pop.

 

[orygun]

Marlin make a nice lever-actio

Marlin make a nice lever-action in .45-70 - stainless, too.

Very true, but the 45-70 was a military cartridge, too.

 

[tac]

Very true, but the 45-70 was a military cartridge, too.

I see your point - a valid one - but of course it has long been a civilian cartridge, too.

 

[orygun]

I see your point - a valid one - but of course it has long been a civilian cartridge, too.

And a good, hard hitter! It's amazing that some cartridges have a life of well over 100 years, isn't it?

 

[NeoBlackdog]

And a good, hard hitter! It's amazing that some cartridges have a life of well over 100 years, isn't it?

Like the 270! 100 years old this year and still layin' 'em out.

 

[tac]

And a good, hard hitter! It's amazing that some cartridges have a life of well over 100 years, isn't it?

I make that 151 years.........................

 

[Spitpatch]

NOTHING is a "brush cartridge".

NOTHING.

(In the most scientifically conducted test of this of which I am aware, it may surprise some as it did the tester that the .264 Winchester Magnum did "the least poorly", even when run up against Elephant medicine. NOTHING bucks brush. Don't shoot through brush.)

As to African-style restrictions on military rounds, as @tac noted, the .375 H & H is the "go-to", for "elk size and bigger" animals there, and most can learn to shoot it adequately. Most countries (especially those with military restrictions) require bore of .375 for any dangerous game.

Is the purpose of your trip hunting? Define your intended game. REDUCE your number of guns as much as possible, then carve the arsenal even more for as much travel and checkpoint encounters that seem to be on your itinerary. One gun is the goal. Three is probably too many, and only necessary for a multiple-species hunt.

With that many checkpoints to deal with, I would not take ANY firearm that I was not willing to lose.

 

[trukinbear]

NOTHING is a "brush cartridge".

NOTHING.

(In the most scientifically conducted test of this of which I am aware, it may surprise some as it did the tester that the .264 Winchester Magnum did "the least poorly", even when run up against Elephant medicine. NOTHING bucks brush. Don't shoot through brush.)

As to African-style restrictions on military rounds, as @tac noted, the .375 H & H is the "go-to", for "elk size and bigger" animals there, and most can learn to shoot it adequately. Most countries (especially those with military restrictions) require bore of .375 for any dangerous game.

Is the purpose of your trip hunting? Define your intended game. REDUCE your number of guns as much as possible, then carve the arsenal even more for as much travel and checkpoint encounters that seem to be on your itinerary. One gun is the goal. Three is probably too many, and only necessary for a multiple-species hunt.

With that many checkpoints to deal with, I would not take ANY firearm that I was not willing to lose.

Likely I won't live long enough to enjoy it. I'm terminal (for the 3rd time) and this will be a reward (using it) should I miraculously make it back - they've been telling me I was walking dead for a couple of decades now, so you never know. Otherwise this rifle will accompany me in the gorgeous hand made dingy my son is making for my South Pacific 'Viking Funeral.' I'm willing to lose all the guns in taking - my 9mm's and such will likely be chucked overboard at some point. The only thing I'm not taking with me is my son's inheritance - the FN FAL my dad picked up from NATO troops in Korea sometime in the mid 50's.

 

[orygun]

And it's just a pup compared to it's dad, which is a dozen years older. Yes, 30-03, not 30-06. It's older brother ('06) is my favorite.

 

[bcp]

What is the cartridge most widely available worldwide that is not a military cartridge?

My guess is the 270 Win. or 243 Win.

Bruce

 

[bcp]

Banned by military name? Then the 223 and 308 are not military cartridges.



Bruce

 

[trukinbear]

No sir, this is a peaceful hunting round 12.7x99 nothing military to see here ;-)

 

[quneur]

Likely I won't live long enough to enjoy it. I'm terminal (for the 3rd time) and this will be a reward (using it) should I miraculously make it back - they've been telling me I was walking dead for a couple of decades now, so you never know. Otherwise this rifle will accompany me in the gorgeous hand made dingy my son is making for my South Pacific 'Viking Funeral.' I'm willing to lose all the guns in taking - my 9mm's and such will likely be chucked overboard at some point. The only thing I'm not taking with me is my son's inheritance - the FN FAL my dad picked up from NATO troops in Korea sometime in the mid 50's.

You may the first person who can truthfully say, "I lost all my guns in tragic boating accident."

 

[bpyycpyy]

My vote would be for a Henry lever in 35 Remington. - https://www.henryusa.com/firearm/side-gate-lever-action/
Or a nice Model 8 or 81 for semi-auto action. - https://www.gunbroker.com/item/1126785647

 

[tac]

Well, I'm betting that it's likely something we've never thought of, bearing in mind that most popular cartridges began their lives as military....

 

[Olderguy]

Hard to beat a 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet. Roosevelt are big tough critters that often live in tough country if you happen to be hunting the Oregon Coast Range.

 

[trukinbear]

Hard to beat a 30-06 with a 180 grain bullet. Roosevelt are big tough critters that often live in tough country if you happen to be hunting the Oregon Coast Range.

That would also be my go to, but alas everyone considers it a military caliber. My entire idea may be off, as the odds of me actually returning with it AND being able to hunt if I did are long (which was the idea) - it was to be incentive, or a Viking Burial piece that won't get my son in a foreign prison for sailing through their waters with a military caliber weapon.

 

[Rhinobang]

Hi guys, I'm going on a trip and looking for a new caliber for a rifle, to compliment the handguns, and a carbine in (both in 30SC) that I'll already be carrying.

Here is what I need:
A) ability to take Roosevelt Elk sized critters at less than 200yds in moderate to heavy brush.
B) be relatively inexpensive or less difficult to reload
C) not a military caliber

I prefer semi-automatics in general, but don't mind if I end up with something that I'll find chambered in only a bolt-action. So far the 350 & 400 Legend look interesting

8.6 Blackout baby!

 

[DeanMk]

My dad's ol' elk rifle was a really nice 98 Mauser in 8mm, but the OP said no military rifles, so...
.460 Weatherby Magnum.
It fits all your criteria, although the only gun you're going to find it in is a Weatherby bolt action, but they're fine rifles. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't be proud to own one.
If that won't drop whatever you're after, nothing will (aside from the 12.7x99 or a 3" Naval Gun).

 

[orygun]

.460 Weatherby Magnum.
It fits all your criteria, although the only gun you're going to find it in is a Weatherby bolt action, but they're fine rifles. I don't know of anyone who wouldn't be proud to own one.
If that won't drop whatever you're after, nothing will (aside from the 12.7x99 or a 3" Naval Gun).

Might drop things on both ends of the rifle!

A friend has a 308 Norma Magnum rifle. He says, "It kills on one end. Wounds on the other!"